I'd agree with Out of my Element. Nothing inherently wrong with that neighborhood. The Blue Line Airport T (subway) station is walkable, though with 5 people, an UberXL may be more convenient/cheaper, depending on where you're heading. It shouldn't be hard to pick up an Uber in that area, as there are plenty of cars dropping off passengers at BOS. But as mentioned above, tunnel traffic at rush hour can slow to a crawl.

Not many things to do nor restaurants near the ES, but there is Santarpios down the street, which is a well-known pizza joint. But if you're just using the ES as a place to sleep, then enjoy food & sights inside the city before take an Uber back to the hotel after rush-hour.

I think your plan is pretty sound. Other options for cheaper room rates would put you out in the suburbs of Boston. Not all of them are easily connected to the city via public transportation, and Uber costs would start to rack up.

Enjoy your trip! (There are other threads within the New England forum with suggestions for how to entertain a family, but if you have any specific questions, just let us know.)